LCBO makes gifting and entertaining easy this holiday season

TORONTO, Nov. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - During LCBO's Holiday Wrapped Up promotion, customers can find gifts for everyone on their list with a
wide selection of gift packs, unique bottles and limited edition
selections. With more than 625 stores across the province and more than
150 new gift packs, LCBO has gift and entertaining solutions for every
occasion and budget this festive season.

"Our holiday focus this year is on simple and easy entertaining and
gifting solutions," explains Bob Downey, LCBO Senior Vice President,
Sales & Marketing. "With so many festivities and gift exchanges, LCBO
can be a one-stop shop for all these occasions. With such a broad
selection of new and returning favourites, our hosting and gift options
are almost endless."

LCBO's complete holiday assortment can be found using the interactive
gift finder at www.lcboholiday.com. Recipes for holiday cocktails, alcohol-free Mocktails and helpful
entertaining tips are also available on this microsite. To help you
find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, here are some of the
top holiday picks from LCBO and VINTAGES:

Sparkling wines remain a tried and true holiday classic. In 2011, LCBO
sales of Champagnes and sparkling wines increased to $23.2 million in
December. The holiday period accounts for 22 per cent of annual LCBO
Champagne and sparkling wine sales.

Vodka is hugely versatile and represents the largest sales category of
LCBO spirits. Consumers continue to seek out premium vodkas as well as
those with unique flavours. Spiced rum is also expected to be a
holiday favourite with sales up 27 per cent leading into December.

GETTING CRAFTY WITH BEER

Les Trois Mousquetaires Grand Cuvée Weizenbock 2012 - 750ml - $9.95

Unibroue La Terrible - 750ml - $10.95

Ontario Craft Breweries Holiday 2012 Discovery Pack - 6 pack - $11.95

LCBO's seasonal craft beer program has grown more than 360 per cent in
the last five years. "We continue to work with local and international
craft breweries to bring a unique selection of beers year-round,
including those truly sought-after items that are popular over the
holidays," says Downey.

The VINTAGES gift finder at www.vintages.com/gifts is a mobile-friendly site providing gifting solutions for the
hard-to-buy-for people on your list or the wine collector.

LCBO gift cards also make great holiday presents. With new seasonal
designs, these cards are now available at LCBO stores and more than
3,000 other retail locations, including Shoppers Drug Mart, Shell,
Walmart and Metro. In December 2011, LCBO gift card sales rose more
than 16 per cent to $23 million. Nearly 65 per cent of all LCBO gift
card sales occur during the holiday season. For more information, visit
www.lcbo.com/giftcards .

LCBO holiday sales in 2011 totalled $620 million, representing 14 per
cent of last year's total business. Last December, the average LCBO
customer spent $47 compared to $38 at other times in the year. December
22 and 23 were the busiest selling days for LCBO last year, with sales
of $41 million and $53 million respectively. This year, LCBO expects
December 21 and 22 to be the busiest shopping days.

To promote safe and memorable holiday celebrations, "Deflate the
Elephant", LCBO's social responsibility education campaign, will once
again hit the web, airwaves, street and LCBO stores encouraging people
to plan ahead, drink responsibly and to never consume alcohol when
driving. Visit www.deflatetheelephant.com, a one-stop source for responsible hosting tips, tools and alcohol-free
Mocktail recipes.

For more information on the Holiday Wrapped Up promotion, customers can call the toll-free, bilingual helloLCBO Contact
Centre at 1-800-ONT-LCBO (668-5226) or online at www.hellolcbo.com. In Toronto, call 416 365-5900. They will be open for extended holiday
hours on Sundays during November and December. The TTY number for
people who are deaf or hard of hearing is 416 864-6898 or
1-800-361-3291. Customers can also access the LCBO website at www.lcbo.com and VINTAGES information at www.vintages.com.

Consumers are reminded to bring a reusable bag when shopping at the LCBO
and to return empty beverage alcohol containers (large and small glass
bottles, PET plastic, Tetra Pak cartons, bag-in-box and cans) to The
Beer Store for a full deposit refund.